I'M FED UP to the gills with talking about the lousy summer, so I'm going to change the subject, writes Jane Powers
Instead, let us consider the recession. And if that's put you into a bad mood, then do read on.
Actually, gardening is the best depression-buster that I know. In my own life, difficult times are made far more bearable when I get stuck into a patch of weeds, or into a mammoth potting session. And, of course, there is nothing better than a tray of freshly sprouted seedlings, bursting with new life, to induce great surges of optimism.
Apparently, getting dirty is good for you, and not just because one is satisfying some primitive need to play in the mud. No, it's more specific than that; scientists at the University of Bristol and at University College London last year published a paper that showed that the soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, may have mood-enhancing capabilities. Tests showed that it may increase the release of serotonin in parts of the brain that regulate mood. In other words, it may act as a natural antidepressant - so, if you're feeling blue, get out and get dirty.
But let's put the possible benefits of soil bacteria aside for a moment, and consider the other advantages of getting on better terms with the garden. There's the fresh air and exercise, of course, and the opportunity to grow your own food and flowers, but there's also the reward that every habitual gardener is familiar with: the deeply satisfying feeling of having a tangible connection with the earth.
There is nothing so spiritually balancing and - literally - grounding, as having your hands in the soil, and being intimately involved with the things that grow out of it. For those who have been living the unrealistic high life over the past decade or so, it's a good way to come back to earth.
Gardening brings good news to the purse strings that are tightened by a recession. The more time and energy that you invest in the garden, the more attached you become to it, and the less inclined to leave it behind. In other words, it's far cheaper to stay at home in the garden than head off to Paris or Prague for the weekend. Yes, yes, I know all about the rain here, but the autumn is going to be so much better than the summer, I'm sure of it.
Which is all very well, you say, but where to begin? And surely it's a bit late in the year for taking to the garden? To answer the latter question first (and to glide from there into the former), September is the best possible month to start the gardening year. In the days before instant gardens, autumn was the busiest time for planting and planning, as shrubs and trees were usually sold as bare-root specimens. Traditionally, these are planted any time in the coming months, when the ground is workable (neither frozen nor mushy).
Herbaceous things that are planted now get off to a much better start than those that are planted in the spring. There is still heat in the soil, and this encourages the roots to bulk out and grow. The plant builds a strong, underground framework before it puts out any new shoots next year.
If you are an absolute beginner, and are the kind of person who craves expert instruction, then enrol in a gardening course (such as that at the Botanic Gardens, mentioned below), or join your local gardening society (the nearest garden centre should be able to point you in the right direction). Or, just get out in the garden and bash around. Any damage that you might inflict is usually repaired by nature after a few months' growth. And remember, good gardeners didn't start out that way; their path to perfection is lined with barrow-loads of abused and maimed plants.
To start with, you could try your hand at dividing some perennials. Most soft-stemmed plants that come up year after year get tired after three, four or five years on the go, and benefit by being dug up, pulled apart and replanted (although hostas and peonies resent interference, so leave these be). If flowering has been sparse, or if a clump is looking woody or bald, then a spot of division could be just the thing to rejuvenate it.
Water the plant well before digging it up (unless the soil is damp); it will tear the roots less, and cause less stress. Divide the plant as carefully as possible into individual pieces, with healthy roots and shoots on each, and throw out any weary, damaged or suspect-looking bits. You may be able to do this operation with your hands, but more robust root systems will have to be eased apart with a spade or garden fork, or sliced with a blow of a sharp spade. (The textbook method is to lever two garden forks against each other, back to back - but few of us have a brace of forks.) Replant in soil, to which you've added some garden compost or well- rotted manure. Water again, to settle the roots.
Many perennials are bearing seed at present, and you can increase your stocks hugely (if slowly) by sowing seed now in pots or trays, and leaving them outside in a shady, sheltered and cool spot.
Another autumn job is lawn maintenance, if you're that way inclined (I'm not, but I do admire other people's velvety swards). Scarifying, that is, raking the living daylights out of the surface to remove moss and "thatch" (tangled, dead grass), is excellent exercise for the abdominal muscles. Spiking with a hollow-tine aerator (which you can buy or hire), or with a garden fork, introduces air into the root zone. If those two tasks are too daunting, then at least throw a bit of seed over any bare patches.
It's also time to start the big garden tidy-up of cutting back dead growth and cleaning up the season's debris - but do remember to leave some seedheads and leaf litter for the birds' winter menu. And if that sounds too much like outdoor housekeeping, then just grow something to eat.
Oriental leaves and American land cress can be sown now, and autumn onion sets can be planted. Plant garlic over the next two months, and in November, get your broadbeans into the ground.
Times may be gloomy, but one's own garden produce has a way of lifting the mood.
SCHOOL FOR GARDENERS
A few places remain on the beginners' gardening course at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Growing Green Fingers: nine classes over five weeks (Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings), starts September 30th. Course fee: €120; tel: 01-8570909 for details.
ONE TO VISIT
Lovers of fine crafts will remember the sophisticated batik work of Matt O'Connell, who has now turned to propagating plants. His garden and nursery at Ballyvoe, Doolin, Co Clare are open daily (except Mondays), 10am-6pm. Specialities include cottage garden and seaside plants, as well as "mini-gardens" in pots, made to order for birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions. Tel: 087-9147725